In this new column, Rock Products will focus on developments relating to the March 2014 ConExpo-Con/Agg Show in Las Vegas.

Yes, the countdown has begun. ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 is approaching faster than you think. ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 will be held March 4-8, 2014, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, and is the global gathering place in North America every three years for the construction and construction-materials industries. Here are some of the show developments:

Rock Products Named VIP PublicationMining Media International is pleased to announce that the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has awarded Rock Products its exclusive “Top Level VIP” supporting publication status for the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 show in Las Vegas. This designation is only given to publications that are able to provide the wide audience and extensive targeted content that is critical to the success of the show.

“We are proud that our extended family of mining and construction-materials magazines qualify us for Top Level VIP status,” said company President Peter Johnson. “Not all aggregates industry magazines qualified for this exclusive level of support. We are able to provide the show with a vital platform for promoting its many facets, giving greater visibility to the exhibitors that drive the show’s success.”

In addition to its presence at booth 52893 in the Central Hall, Rock Products will distribute a special VIP Show Guide from a high-traffic contact point that Rock Products has secured for the show by virtue of it achieving “Top Level VIP” supporting-publication status. Mining Media International and Rock Products also has a series of additional features and special events planned for the March 2014 show.

New Demolition & Recycling PavilionConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 announced a new Demolition & Recycling Exhibits Pavilion that will showcase products specific to C&D recyclers and demolition contractors. The Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) is a pavilion sponsor.

“Recycling is an important facet of our industries; more demolition contractors are attending the show and this pavilion is one way CDRA serves industry needs,” stated Megan Tanel, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 show director and AEM vice president exhibitions and events.

Also new, the Platinum Lot exhibit area, combined with a reconfigured show footprint and better defined product concentration areas, will make it easier for attendees and exhibitors to connect with the people and companies they want to see. ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 will also feature a new “exhibit suites” option as an additional opportunity for targeted attendee-exhibitor interaction.

“The goal, as with all our planning, is to provide the best trade show value and create the most ROI for attendees’ and exhibitors’ show experience. These moves will definitely make a positive difference for 2014; attendees can search less to find what they need and spend more time with exhibitors doing business on the show floor,” Tanel added.

The new ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 sh­­ow footprint consolidates outdoor exhibit space into three large exhibit areas (Gold, Silver and Platinum Lots) to provide attendees with improved flow between the indoor and outdoor exhibit space. Attendees will also find more unified, better defined product concentration areas to help them make the most efficient and productive use of their time onsite, coupled with an enhanced internal shuttle system to more easily get from one show area to another.

The new Platinum Lot is located across from South Hall on Swenson Drive and will feature both indoor and outdoor exhibits, the primary registration area, a full service restaurant, one of only two shuttle stops, restrooms and full utility access for show exhibitors. Its major product areas will be asphalt production/paving, aggregates processing and drilling equipment.

Companies may also choose the new ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 exhibit suites option in addition to the show floor as a more personal setting to conduct private meetings, receptions and other attendee-focused events. Location is the adjacent Las Vegas Hotel (formerly Hilton) and the nearby Riviera. Participation in the exhibit suites program is on a first-come, first-served basis.

International Buyer Program ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 has again earned International Buyer Program (IBP) status from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The IBP helps qualified international buyers, representatives and distributors more easily attend the show and connect with export-minded exhibitors looking to boost sales and establish global connections.

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 is among a small group of U.S.-based exhibitions chosen after passing a rigorous selection process; the IBP recognizes shows that are top-notch events serving industries with excellent export potential.

Under the IBP, the U.S. government promotes shows through its worldwide network of embassies and consulates. It also recruits official trade delegations to attend and assists delegations with travel, housing and registration.

The IBP also provides exhibitors with practical, hands-on assistance such as export counseling, market analysis and matchmaking services.

ConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 will produce a special show Export Opportunities Guide (print and electronic) to help attendees locate exhibitors interested in doing business globally through export sales, agency relationships, distributor investment and joint ventures.

The guide will be available at the shows and distributed to U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) international posts. An onsite International Trade Center (ITC), staffed by experienced DOC trade specialists and show management staff, will operate during the run of the shows with multilingual interpreters fluent in several world languages, a message center, phone/fax/e-mail access and private meeting rooms.

Export OpportunitiesConExpo-Con/Agg 2014 has won recognition as the most global of all shows in North America, with international attendance of 24 percent in 2011, from more than 150 countries. For 2014, show management will expand and refine its already-robust international marketing outreach, especially to emerging markets.

Show management will establish more matchmaking opportunities and country roundtables to bring together buyers and sellers. Show management will also work closely with in-country DOC commercial service officers and exhibitors’ regional representatives to pinpoint specific needs and actions to ensure optimum use of IBP services.

“Everyone benefits when we create more opportunities to help exhibitors and attendees find the right business partners. We value the continued support of the U.S. Commerce Department and we urge exhibitors to take full advantage of the IBP program and what the shows offer to help increase their global business,” stated Tanel.

Do you have news or product information related to your exhibit at ConExpo-Con/Agg? Rock Products has been designated a Top Level VIP Publication by show management, and we will be covering the show in-depth from now through our pre-show, show and post-show issues. Please send your company information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..